best float 'n' fly technique

[sexy shad 12]

My buddy is wanting to take me smallmouth fishing this winter on dale hollow lake and i've never done float 'n' fly fishing i was wondering if you guys could give me some good techniques .

[NewAngler]

I cannot. However, if you do a search on the article page there should be a couple. one that sticks out was written by a spotted bass guide in Georgia. It was a great article.

[Glenn]

You mean this?

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/float-n-fly.html

[gobig]

Here is another good article

[edit]Sorry. No links to other bass fishing forums[/edit]

[.ghoti.]

1. catch flies. they say you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

2. glue flies to float

3. drop float in the liquid medium of your choice.

Viola! float'n flies

To really attempt to answer your question;

A couple of firms market float-n-fly kits. They tell you that only the type float they sell will work.

BS, any float will work, as long as it's not too big. The key to the float is the size of the jig. Start with a 1/8oz hair jig. Move down in weight if that doesn't do the trick. Then go up in weight.

Hair jigs are the standard. Marabou jigs will work, as well as bunny jigs. You want baitfish colors. Experiment more with jig size than color.

You want a float that will just stay up with the jig you've selected.

I like slip floats. Easier to cast when fishing 15' or more deep. A round or teardrop shape is perfect if there's a light chop on the water. Don't do anything. Let the chop gently move the jig up and down.

If it's flat calm, you'll have to twitch it.

In heavy chop, a wagler style float, weighted to get the body below the surface, with just the tip out of water, will be much more effective.

The movement you'll want out of the jig is just enough to make the hair, marabou or bunny strip  move slightly, pulse a bit, or just waggle a little. Less is more with this technique.

Another bait that works sometimes with the float is a wacky rigged finesse worm, or french fry.

Don't forget the Megastrike. There are few times when a scent is more important than cold, cold water.